OCTOBER 16, 2001

Ferrari ready to party

SCUDERIA FERRARI is returning home to Maranello for a gigantic reception after sealing its third consecutive manufacturers' title and Michael Schumacher's fourth world championship - his second with Ferrari - after beating all comers for the second season in a row.

A procession of Ferrari road cars marked the start of the celebrations immediately after the last, victorious race of the season in Japan after the Tifosi had gathered at the factory to watch the race, the parade of Rosso Corsa making its way to the town of Modena.

There will be a novel new piece of merchandise for Ferrari fans to wear too when the team returns to join in the festivities, as sporting director Jean Todt revealed: "To celebrate winning both titles this year we came up with rather a special cap, with two peaks to thank our drivers for the exceptional work they have done this year. The idea was to give them equal billing," Todt said.

"Now we head to Monza to meet our fans next weekend, where we will be able to celebrate with them and Ferrari owners. It will be great to share their delight with these successes." A total of 50,000 Ferraristas are expected to attend the annual event.